Marion, Ind. – Shannon Hellman won the 100-meter hurdles after running the event in 13.45 seconds at the NAIA Outdoor Track and Field National Championships in Marion, Ind. Hellman nearly broke the NAIA record of 13.33 set in 2004 by Davetta Shepherd from Lindenwood during Thursday’s prelims when she posted a time of 13.37.

Head Track and Field Coach Travis Covey was proud of Hellman’s performance.

“There is nobody more deserving of a national title than Shannon,” said Covey. “She worked so hard to get to this point and now she can say she is the best hurdler in the country. I am extremely proud of her and thankful for all that she has done at Black Hills State.”

Hellman also placed fourth for the Yellow Jackets in the heptathlon completed earlier in the day where she scored 5,006 points.

Nikki Shinkle competed in two hurdle races on Friday. Shinkle ran the 100-meter hurdles in 15.24 placing her 16th and came back later in the day to run 1:03.59 in the 400-meter hurdles. She will run in the 400-meter hurdle finals on Saturday.

The only Yellow Jacket to compete in a field event on Friday was Cody Milbourn. Milbourn placed 18th after she put the shot 12.98 meters.

Cameron Dean posted a time of 54.15 placing 13th in the 400-meter hurdles. Neil Long placed 20th in the 5,000-meter run in a time of 15:19.81.

The Yellow Jackets will finish competition at the national meet on May 29.